Centrally-controlled general-alarm system.



F. W. WOOD. CENTRALLY CONTROLLED GENERAL ALARM SYSTEM.

- APPLICATION FILED JUNE 7, 1915. 1 2

Patented Mar. 27, 1917.

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FRANK W. WOOD, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO OF NEW YORK, N. 1., A CORPORATION OF TQEG GH ARLES CORY & SON, INC., NEW YOBK.

CENTRALLY-CONTROLLED GENERAL-ALARM SYSTEM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 2?, 11am.

Application filed June 7, 1915. Serial No. 32,574.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, FRANK W. WOOD, a citizen of the United States, residing at Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and State of New York, have invented new and useful Improvements in Centrally-Controlled General-Alarm Systems, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to signal apparatus, and a principal object of the invention is to produce a general alarm apparatus having a central control point or station, the general purpose being to simplify the wiring arrangement and eliminate the use of cumbersome contact makers in the alarm circuit.

A further object is to enable all the control mechanism to be concentrated in a convenient place where instant attention can be given to it by the attendant or operator, in case of mishap to any of the apparatus? A further object of the invention is to provide means enabling the alarm apparatus to be rendered active by electrical means from a distant'point, and to provide mechanical means at the central station for controlling the alarm circuit and for causing the cessation of the alarm.

Further objects of the invention will appear more clearly hereinafter.

The invention consists in the general com-' bination of parts and details described hereinafter, all of which contribute to produce an efficient general alarm apparatus.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is described in the following specification while the broad scope of the invention is pointed out in the appended claims.

The drawing which consists of a single figure is a diagram indicating such apparatus and the wiring thereof.

Before proceeding to a detailed description of the invention, it should be stated that while the alarm apparatus is applicable in many different conditions or environments, the following specification describes a form of the apparatus adapted for use aboard ship. The use of the apparatus in thisconnection is for sounding an alarm or giving a visual signal at a number of different points on the ship so that the signal may operate as an order to be obeyed by the oificer or attendant at the point where the signal is received.

Referring more particularly to the parts,

1 represents a circuit, the conductors of which extend to the points from which the apparatus is to be controlled; for example, the bridge of the ship, conning tower, etc. At every point .from which the system is to be controlled, a contact device such as the contact device 2 is provided which, if desired, maybe a simple push button or a simple switch such as that indicated, preferably provided with means such as the spring 3 for reopening the circuit after the pressure of the hand ceases. These contact devices, therefore, afford means for rarily closing the circuit 1.

Supposing the circuit 1 tolbe closed at the contact device 2, a circuit willloe established as follows: 1

From the service line conductor 4 through switch member 5 to contact 6, and thence through conductor 7 to binding post 8; from binding post 8 through the conductors 9 and 10 of the circuit 1, to binding post 11 and thence by conductor 12 through an electrically-controlled device the function of which is to close a circuit which will start a motor or other electrically driven device. This electrically-controlled device preferably comprises a solenoid coil 13 cooperating with an armature or core 14. From the coil 13 the current passes by conductor 15 to a terminal 16 and thence by conductor tempo- 17 to contact 18 and through switch member 19 to the service line conductor 20.

Energizing the coil.13 draws up the core or armature 14 and this closes a motor circuit which starts the motor or electrically driven device. This is preferably accomplished by providing a motor circuit 21 be? ginning at the binding post 8 and arranged to be closed by switch 22 which is actuated by the armature 14; that is, the switch 22 is closed when the armature is attracted by the coil, the current passing through the switch 22 to contact 23 and thence by conductor 24 to the terminal 25 of an electric motor 26, whence the current passes through the armature of the motor and through the field coil 27, both currents from the motor uniting at the terminal 28 and passing by conductor 29 to the aforesaid conductor 15 and thenceback to the service conductor 20.

The motor 26 preferably operates mechanical means for holding the motor circuit closed, operating to maintain this motor circuit closed even if the push button or switch i at the point 2 is only held closed for 7 speed; for instance,

worm indicated short space of time, In order to hold switch 22 closed, as suggested, I prefer to rovide yin the orm of when the apparatus is not active, the part permits the armature to assume a position or condition in which the switch 22 is open.

This is preferably accomplishedby means of a notch or-recess 31 in the edge of the cam.

The starting of the motor 26 starts this cam.

This cam is preferably driven by a step down gearing from the shaft of the motor so that the cam may revolve at a relatively low once in a minute. This is preferably accomplished by means 'of a at 32which meshes with a worm wheel 33, the shaft 34 of the said wormwheel 33 carrying a worm 35 which meshes with a worm wheel 36 on a shaft 37,

o and this shaft 37 may drive the cam'through suitable bevel gears 38.

f When the motorstarts, the recess or notch 31 moves away from its positionopposite to or under the end of the armature-14, and the circumferential or regular edge 39 of the cam then moves into position under the armature, and operates to hold the switch 22 closed. This motor circuit is held closed until the notch or recess 31 makes a com pleterotation and the armature 14 then drops .into the notch and effects the reopening of the switch. This enables the source of electro-motor force to be at the disposal of the alarm circuit for the space of one minute or any other predetermined time which may be desired in any particular in-- stallation, and this would depend, of course, upon the time consumed in making one revolution of the cam.

The alarm circuits are preferably controlled by the same motor-driven means which controls the closing of switch 22. This is preferably accomplished, however, through the medium of another mechanical I part' such as a cam 40, and if desired, this cam may be driven by suitable bevel gears 41 from the shaft 34, and operates in any suitable manner to close the alarm circuits;

preferably it alternately opens and closes the alarm circuits. complished by providing the switch 42, one side of which receives current by conductor 43 extending from contact 23 of the switch 22, and when switch 42 is closed, this current passes by conductor 44 to a terminal 45 and thence by conductor 46 to a trunk conductor 47 which may extend longitudinally of the ship so as tocarry the current tothe different points near which the signal is be be 'ven. A return trunk 48 runs parallel with the trunk 47 and this is connected by conductor 49 with the terminal 16. The switch 42 is preferably controlled by means a very This is preferably ac .tively large. p

of depressions or notches 50 inthe cam 40. This cam preferably revolves at a relatively high speed, for instance, 45 revolutions per minute, and it coiip'erates with the switch 42 "so that when the switch member 51 is on the circumferential or regular edge 52 of the cam, the switch is held closed.

This arrangement enables the cam to close the circuit through conductors'46 and 49, ninety times in' a minute. The alarm circuits 53 and 54 preferably extend in parallel wirin arrangement from the trunks 47 and 48'. here may circuits as desired.' Two have been illustrated merely by way of example, and as are alike, Ijshall describe the circuit 54;

1 he circuit preferably includes a handoperated switch 55 which may be opened to render that particular alarm circuit inactve at anytime desired. The signal devices 56 are preferably arranged in arallel between the conductors 57 and 58 o the alarm circuit. 7 These signals may be of any kind *Whatever, that will attract attention. ,For examplethey may be alarm devices such as those illustrated.

beas many of these alarm The mode of operation of the apparatus is substantially as follows:

When the contact device or switch is closed at 2, a circuit is established through the parts numbered 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12', 13,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. Closing this circuit energizes coil 13 and this pulls up the armature 14 and, closes switch 22. This brings the armature out of the notch 31 and closes the switch 22, thus establishing a motor circuit through the conductors 24, 29. and 15. This starts up the motor and causes a rotation of the cam 30 and the cam then operates to hold the switch 22 closed. The rotation of the motor also imparts rotation to thecam 40 and twice ineach rotation this cam closes the switch 42 which closes all the signal circuits or alarm circuits 53 and 54. While the alarm circuit is closed, a circuit is, established through conductor 43 and through the switch 42 and then by conductors 44 and' 46to the trunk 47 This operates the siginal devices such as the si nal devices 56 w ich are in parallel in eac alarm circuit, the current which operates the alarms returning to the trunk 48 which is connected by the conductor 49 with the binding post 16. The signals'or alarms then sound intermittently 111 til the notch 31 comes again under or opposite to the switch 32 whereupon alarms will cease.

ing device 2 as operating to close the circuit through the motor through the medium of a relay or solenoid 13, I do not limit myself to this typeof circuit closing means. I prefer'it however, where the currents are rela- Although I have described the circuit closnaaoase It is understood that the embodiment of the invention set forth herein is only one of the many embodiments or forms the invention may take, and I do not wish to be limited in the practice of the invention nor in my claims to the particular embodiment set forth. Furthermore, I may use any feature of my invention without any of the other features.

What I claim is:

1. In a centrally-controlled alarm apparatus, in combination, a control circuit including hand-operated means for closing the circuit, a motor, a motor circuit and a circuit closer therefor, electrically-controlled means in said control circuit for operating the cir cuit closer to start said motor, an alarm circuit including a plurality of alarm devices, and means actuated by said motor for opening and closing the alarm circuit and for opening said circuit closer to stop the alarm.

2. In a centrally-controlled alarm apparatus, in combination, a control circuit including hand-operated means for closing the circuit,an electric motor, a motor circuit and a circuit closer therefor, electrically-controlled means in said control circuit for operating the circuit closer to start said motor and including a solenoid for actuating the closer,

an alarm circuit including a plurality ofalarm devices, and means actuated by said motor for opening and closing the alarm cir- I cuit and for opening said circuit closer to stop the alarm.

3. In a centrally-controlled alarm apparatus, in combination, a control circuit including hand-operated means for closing the circuit, an electric circuit closer therefor, electrically-control]ed means in said control circuit for operating the circuit closer to start said motor, said means including a solenoid, an alarm circuit including a plurality of alarm devices, and means actuated by said motor for maintaining said circuit closer closed to maintain both motor and alarm circuits active.

4. In a centrally-controlled alarm apparatus, in combination, a control circuit including hand-operated means for temporarily closing the circuit, an electric motor, a motor circuit and a circuit closer therefor, electrically-controlled means in said control circuit for operating the circuit closer to start said motor, an alarm circuit including a plurality of alarm devices, and means actuated by said motor and unaffected by control circuit activity or inactivity for maintaining said circuit closer closed to maintain the motor and alarm circuits.

5. In a centrally-controlled alarm apparatus, in combination, a control circuit including hand-operated means for temporarily closing the circuit, a motor circuit and a circuit closer therefor, a motor within the motor circuit, electrically-controlled means in motor, a motor circuit and a gal,

said control circuit including a solenoid for operating the circuit closer to close said motor circuit and start the motor, an alarm circuit including a plurality of alarm devices, and means actuated by said motor for by-passing the control circuit and for maintaining the circuit closer in circuit closing position to maintain the motor and alarm circuits during motor activity, said means being operative to break the motor circuit after a predetermined period.

6. In a centrally-controlled alarm appa ratus, in combination, a 'circuit including hand-operated means for temporarily closing the circuit, a motor circuit and an electric motor, a mechanical part driven by said motor, means in said first-named circuit including a solenoid and an armature moved thereby to close said motor circuit, said mechanical part operating when said motor is started to hold said armature in position to maintain said motor circuit closed, and an alarm circuit controlled by said motor and including a plurality of alarm devices.

7. In a centrally-controlled alarm apparatus, in combination, a circuit including hand-operated means for temporarily closing the circuit, a motor circuit and an electric motor, a mechanical part driven by said motor, means in said first-named circuit including a solenoid and an armature moved thereby 'toclose said motor circuit, said mechanical part operating when said motor is started to hold said armature in position to maintain said motor circuit closed, an alarm circuit including a. plurality of alarm devices, and means actuated by said motor for opening and closing said alarm circuit.

In a centrally-controlled alarm apparatus, in combination, a circuit including hand-operated means for temporarily closing the circuit, a motor circuit including an electric motor, means in said first-named circuit including a solenoid and an armature moved thereby to close said motor circuit, a cam driven by said motor having a depression to receive said armature when the armature is in a position to hold said motor circuit open, said cam operating when said motor is started to move said depres sion away from said armature and operating thereafter to hold said armature in a position to maintain the motor circuit closed until said depression returns to a position opposite said armature, an alarm circuit including a plurality of alarm devices, and means actuated by said motor for opening and closing the alarm circuit.

9. In a centrally-controlled alarm apparatus, in combination, a circuit including hand-operated means for temporarily closan electric motor, c1rcu1t including means in said first-named a solenoid and an armature moved thereby to close said motor circuit, a cam driven by said motor having a depression to receive said armature when the armature is in a position'to hold said motor circuit open, said cam operating when said motor is started to move said depression away from said armature and operating thereafter to hold said armature in a position to maintain the motor circuit closed until said depression returns to a position opposite said armature, an alarm circuit including a plurality of alarm devices, and another cam actuated by said motor at a higher speed than said first cam for opening and closing the alarm circuit.

10. In a centrally-controlled alarm apparatus, in combination, a motor, means for closing a circuit through the motor, a switch tending to open the motor circuit, means actuated by the motor for maintaining the said switch closed to hold the motor circuit closed, an alarm circuit including a plurality of alarm devices, and means for ,closing the alarm circuit.

11. In a centrally-controlled alarm appa ratus, in combination, a motor, means for closing a circuit through the motor, means actuated by the motor normally tending to open the circuit for controlling said last named means maintaining the motor cir cuit closed, an alarm circuit including a plurality of alarm devices, and means actuated by the motor for closing the alarm" circuit.

12. In apparatus of the character described and in combination, a circuit to be established, a normally-inactive circuit closer within said circuit, a motoralso within said circuit, manually-operable means for rendering said circuit closer active to establish said circuit and start the motor, means controlled by the motor movements for maintaining said circuit closer active, an alarm circuit under the control of said closer, and means operated by the motor for intermittently making and breaking the alarm circuit.

13. In apparatus of the character described and in combination, a circuit to be established, a normally-inactive circuit closer within said circuit, a motor also Within said circuit, manually operable means for rendering means controlled by the, motor movements for maintaining said circuit closer active during a predetermined period, an alarm .means including a controlling circuit, a solenoid dev1ce"there1n and operative on said closer, and means for making and breaking the control circuit.

15. In apparatus of the character described and in combination, a motor circuit, an alarm circuit, a circuit closer for and active in both circuits, andmeans for controlling the operations of said circuit closer,

said means including an electrically-controlled actuator for moving said closer to circuit-closing position to start the motor, and means operated by the motor for maintaining the closer in such position during a predetermined period.

16. In apparatus of the character described and in combination, a motor circuit, an alarm circuit, a circuit closer for ,and active in both circuits, means for controlling the operations of said circuit closer, said means including mechanism for moving the circuit closer to circuit-closing position, mechanism operated by the motor for maintaining the closer in such position, and means operated by said motor and active in said alarm circuit for making and break-- ing such alarm circuit at predetermined'intervals.

Intestimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

FRANK W. WOOD. Witnesses F. D. AMME JOHNVJ. HALE-Y.

I said circuit closer active to es-,f tablish said circuit and start the motor,- 

